The magi, as you know, were wise men —
wonderfully wise men —
who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger.
They invented the art of giving Christmas presents.
Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones,
possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication.
And here I have lamely related to you
the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat
who most unwisely sacrificed for each other
the greatest treasures of their house.
But in a last word to the wise of these days
let it be said that of all who give gifts
these two were the wisest.
Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest.
Everywhere they are wisest.
They are the magi.
O. Henry, The Gift of the Magi
